WWII USAAF Officer's Khaki "Columbia-Flight" Crusher Cap Identified to Lt. Glen E. Matousek (Size 6 7/8)

Description

This original WWII U.S. Army Air Force officer's "Columbia-Flight" crusher cap is identified to Lieutenant Glen E. Matousek, O-2059109. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Lt. Matousek's life and military service. This cap was manufactured by The Columbia, "Gem of Caps", of New York. It is constructed of summer weight khaki cotton and features a russet brown leather chinstrap and single ply "crushable" visor. Secured inside the cap's headliner is Lt. Matousek's original calling card. Beneath the calling card would have originally been The Columbia's manufacturer's emblem; however, it has since been lost. The headband is embossed "Columbia-Flight, REG. PEND." The cap's front is decorated with a brass oversized officer's device. Unfortunately, no size tag could be located; however, the cap has been measured and is a confirmed size 6 7/8.

Provenance

Private Collection, Enid, Oklahoma

Condition Report

This cap is in good, used condition, with most signs of wear being isolated to the cap's headliner.

Veteran's Information

Glen Ellsworth Matousek was born on May 26, 1922, in Otego, Kansas. On September 30, 1942, Matousek enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Riley in Kansas. During the war, he served as an Air Commando pilot in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater, flying C-47s over "The Hump", a topographical term among American airmen referring to the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains. On December 21, 1945, he was awarded the Air Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Matousek survived the war and eventually attained the rank of captain. After the war, he continued to fly B-29s with the Strategic Air Command. Matousek died on October 10, 2014, at the age of 92 and is buried at Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley. Made available to the new owner below are Matousek's enlistment records from the National Archives, Air Medal award card, WWII Memorial Registry entry, as well as his obituary and gravesite.

• Enlistment Records
• Air Medal Award Card
• WWII Memorial Registry
• Obituary & Gravesite